Quiet Joy

Marianne Williamson says, "Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are."

I whole-heartedly know that most of us experience an abundance of everyday joy in our lives; however, we spend more time comparing ourselves or focusing on {perceived} scarcity in our lives to live joyfully.

Hmmm.

Real joy requires consistency of gratitude to transform our ways of thinking. But sometimes even this isn't fail proof. Whether it is a daily practice of writing in a gratitude journal, meditating, or thinking positive affirmations, there are days that finding even the smallest thing to be happy about can feel impossible.

Here is what I do.

I find a moment. An ordinary part of my day. And I explore it.

Before Christmas, overwhelmed was a mild description of the frenzy I felt. 

Until.

I crawled into bed one particular night. Next to my lovelies. And I was overcome with gratitude.

For…

The comfort of hearing 2 healthy, breathing girlies. The mattress molding to my muscles. The weight of the blankets fastening me in for a winter slumber. The hope of seven solid hours of sleep and silence. The heavy sitting on my eyelids beckoning me into dreams and restoration. The fan above whirling, and the calm embracing the room. Recognizing that simple moment — no more than 60 seconds — was all it took to shift back into joy.

When it all seems too much, find a moment. That is where your joy will be.